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"How soon can implantation occur?"

Question

Intercourse happened three days ago and two days after I was spotting very light pink blood and the spotting only lasted a minute or two

Answer

Typically, implantation occurs roughly 7 to 8 days after conception. The sequence usually occurs like this. Intercourse can occur up to five days prior to ovulation and conception could still occur. The sperm move from the cervix into the uterus and up both of the fallopian tubes. Ovulation occurs and places the ovum, or egg, on the outside portion of the fallopian tube. Conception usually occurs in the first segment of the fallopian tube. After conception, the fertilized egg then travels down the fallopian tube to implant into the uterus. As stated above, these usually takes about a week. Implantation bleeding is something that only occurs occasionally. Most women don't notice any symptoms with implantation. Usually the first sign of pregnancy is a missed period. The best way for you to tell whether or not you are pregnant is for you to go to your local pharmacy or grocery store and buy a home pregnancy test. If used properly, these can be quite accurate at detecting pregnancy. You should also consider scheduling an appointment with your primary care physician. You can have a pregnancy test in the office. In addition, you can discuss birth control methods if pregnancy is not desired. Good luck.

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Zocdoc Answers is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor (in the United States) 911 immediately. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. Medical professionals who provide responses to health-related questions are intended third party beneficiaries with certain rights under Zocdoc’s Terms of Service.